Page 5 of Time To Live Again

“Fine. Fine. I’ll try to respect your wishes,” she says through gritted teeth. “Please promise you’ll call me later. And remember—don’t talk to strangers.”

I can’t listen to this shit anymore!I clench my jaw and take a calming breath. It’s funny how she doesn’t talk to Andy like this.

“No strangers. Got it.”

I’m well aware of the irony as I continue to watch the gorgeous stranger in front of me brush the fallen ashes into a pan. This may be the most interesting thing I’ve ever seen. It’s not just his hair that allures me. It’s his exposed toned forearms and the way his back muscles contract in his slim white button-down shirt when he sweeps up the mess. He turns his head, and the sharp curve of his jawline begs me to trace it with my finger. Is it me, or has it gotten hotter in here? I’m pretty sure it’s not because of the crackling fire.

He’s the first man to grab my attention in a long time. I’m talking years. Pheromones are practically pouring out of my skin, trying to latch on to him. They drop to the floor in defeat when he stands and leaves the room without another glance, taking the warmth with him.

Don’t think I didn’t ogle his delectable ass on the way out.

Mom’s still talking about strangers, and I’m ready to pull my hair out. I cut her off again. “Okay. Got it, Mom. Say hi to everyone and have fun at Uncle Bruce’s. Love you.”

Before she or Andy can say anything else, I disconnect the call. I should turn it off for the entire stay or maybe throw it into the now blazing fire.

I rest my head back on the soft cushion and breathe deeply. Andy wanted me to text him after I talked to Mom, but there’s no way in hell I’m doing that now. I’m drained of energy, and my caffeine boost has fizzled out. I glance at the coffee service in the corner but decide against it. Distant laughter catches my attention again, and I already know it’s him.

He’s probably the stranger I’m not supposed to talk to. But do I care? Nope! Do I have the nerve to talk to him? Not sure.

The old me wouldn’t have hesitated.

3

OLIVE

Igather my belongings and head to the lobby, hoping to check in early. The older woman behind the front desk flashes me an inviting smile as I approach. “Welcome to the Madrona Inn. How can I help you?”

“I’d like to check in, please,” I say, stacking my stuff on the suitcase.

“Great. What’s your last name?” she asks, still smiling.

“Han—”

“Donna, I thought you were on your break. I’ll take care of this guest for you.” My heart skips a beat when Lion Guy approaches with a friendly demeanor. His voice is playful, not stern. He’s even more striking close up.

“I’m fine, Leo.” She waves him off. “I can check her in first.”

Seriously? His name is Leo? Leo with the lion’s mane.I smother a laugh but not fast enough. They both turn to me with round, curious eyes. “Sorry. Ignore me.” Then I chuckle again. “Your name’s really Leo?”Olive! What has gotten into you?

He grins. “Pfft.Like I haven’t heard that before. Yep, Leo it is.” He points to his fluffy hair. “When I was born, I had an enormous head of hair like this. My mom said I looked like a lion and named me Leonardo. And when my eye color kicked in…” He shrugs.

My face sizzles like bacon. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. It’s—that’s the first thing I thought of when I saw your hair. I hadn’t seen your eyes yet, but when I did, wow, they’re hard to ignore.”

What’s with the verbal vomit? Is there a rewind button I can press? Can he tell I haven’t been social in a long time?

“You know what, Leo?” The Donna lady—or was it Dora?—pats his arm. “I think I will take my break. My back is acting up.”

His lips split into a knowing grin. “That’s what you said before that large group arrived. I’m on to you.” He jerks his thumb behind him. “Now get going.”

The woman giggles at the same time I do. “I’m going, but you be nice to this young lady.” She points a finger at him.

Leo stretches out his arms. “When am I evernotnice?” he protests, pretending to be offended. “My middle name is nice.”

Donna swats his arm lightly, then turns to me. “Sorry for the interruption.”Wait.Wasn’t I the one who interrupted?“Leo will take good care of you. Enjoy your time here. Happy New Year.”

“Thank you and same to you,” I reply, grinning. Their relaxed interaction has eased my embarrassment and seems to have slightly softened my usually guarded attitude.

My phone buzzes. Stiffly, I place it upside down on the counter, ignoring the call. It could be anybody at this point, but this is more important. Friends have been texting, wishing me a happy birthday, all day. Friends I’ve pushed away but who apparently still care about me.

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